ENG v IND 2022: India optimistic on Rohit Sharma's recovery, no stand-in captain to be named yet – Report

Rohit Sharma has returned COVID-19 positive ahead of the rescheduled fifth Test.

Rohit Sharma | GettyAhead of Team India's rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston, the visitors have copped a massive blow as skipper Rohit Sharma returned COVID-19 positive result on Saturday (June 25).

The news surfaced after the third day’s play in the warm-up match between India and Leicestershire, which Rohit was part of.

In a tweet, BCCI informed that Rohit has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday and he is currently in isolation at the team hotel. The captain was set to have a RT-PCT test on Sunday (June 26) to ascertain the severity of his infection.

WATCH- Rohit Sharma left in discomfort after getting hit in unmentionables by Jasprit Bumrah

With the one-off Test slated to begin on July 1, Rohit Sharma’s diagnosis has put his participation in jeopardy. However, a report published in Cricbuzz suggests that the team management is optimistic that Rohit will recover in time and be able to play the game as there is no limit on the number of quarantine days in UK.

There is no clarity on who will be the captain if Rohit fails to recover, but the same report claims that the team is taking a wait-and-watch approach as far as the captaincy goes. If needed, the decision will only be taken once Chetan Sharma joins the Test squad. The chief selector is currently with the Hardik Pandya-led Indian T20I squad in Ireland and he will leave for England after the second T20I on June 28.

In Rohit's absence, Jasprit Bumrah was seen performing the role of captain on the final day of the warm-up fixture.

If Rohit misses out and with no replacement being named for the already injured KL Rahul, Shubman Gill will be the only specialist opener with the squad in England.

(With Cricbuzz inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 27 Jun, 2022

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